Yes, 2 chapters up today. Due to some computer malfunctions, I was later than I intended with #4. And if you like it, consider it a Christmas present!

This line amused me greatly on the first viewing, and I just couldn't resist.

Disclaimer in ch.1


"Late night meetings, a little cleavage…"

Booth's words echoed in Brennan's mind as she worked at her desk the day after wrapping up the Patty Hoyle case. He had been hounding the victim's boss, making insinuations, trying to draw out a confession. Had they been having an affair? Had Patty threatened to tell his wife? Why else would she have use of his credit card? Blackmail had appeared to be a decent motive for murder at the time. Untrue, as it turned out, but still plausible.

But how is that so different from us? she wondered. Minus the blackmail of course. She had completely lost track of how many times he had shown up at her apartment with take-out after 9 pm. Or the times they'd met at the diner or Wong Foo's for a cup of coffee and his everlasting pie after wrapping up a case, and sometimes even when they hadn't had one and just wanted to talk.

Her eyes dropped and took in the top she was wearing. It was scooped low, and she knew there was a hint of cleavage showing. And when the person doing the viewing was taller (like Booth), it was more than a hint.

What does he think of that? Does he think I'm trying to seduce him? Or hasn't he put it together yet? Or…is that why everyone else thinks we're together? Her thoughts were interrupted by the man himself. "Bones!" Booth called from out in the lab. There was a flurry of other voices, Cam's dominant, before he stuck his head in her door, using a more moderate tone. "We've got a body in a Maryland field for you to look at. Locals think it might be natural, but want the expert's opinion."

She rose, disturbed and excited all at once by her thoughts, and caught up her kit. Once we're done, she promised herself, I'll think this through. For now, it was time to work.


To all my readers:

Kala Christougena. Mele Kalikimaka. Feliz Navidad. Nollaig shona. Vrolijk Kerstfeest. Schéi Chrëschtdeeg. Joyeaux Noel. God Jul. Felix dies Nativitatis. Fröhliche Weihnachten. And of course--Merry Christmas! Best wishes to all, and may we get, not what we deserve, but what we want. (though I suspect Booth and Bones are not going to be in anyone's stocking for real. *Sigh*)

(Sorry if the spelling's off on any of these--you know how translation programs can get!)